District 1 Community Follow-Through

This is where residents can see public-facing updates on District 1 matters that have been verified and marked for public display.

Private resident information is not shown here. Public records appear only after District 1 verification and administrative review.

Working Issues

Undesirable businesses

Table Record #24 • issue

Original report:
It seems like the rundown areas of Independence keep getting more and more run down and as they are, undesirable businesses such as pawn shops, title loan companies, payday loans, tobacco stores, and alcohol outlets, are increasing in numbers. Please help me understand what we as citizens can do to demand that our city council, mayor, city manager, etc. support the closure of these businesses?

Status: in_progress

Location: Sporadically throughout Independence

Current public summary:
I believe the larger issue is how we reverse the decline of our older neighborhoods and commercial corridors. Restricting certain types of businesses may be part of the discussion, but restrictions alone will not restore vacant buildings, attract new investment, or bring needed services back into our neighborhoods. That is why I developed my R.I.S.E. proposal https://leigh-public-record.commandtips1.workers.dev/work/r-i-s-e-revitalizing-independence-through-strategic-engagement — Revitalizing Independence through Strategic Engagement — and why I am personally working on commercial revitalization along the Truman Road corridor. I'm identifying available properties, examining what those locations could realistically support, and making direct contact with businesses and potential investors about bringing new opportunities into the area. This isn't simply a proposal I'm asking someone else to carry out. I'm already doing the work. My goal is to help create conditions where vacant and deteriorating properties become viable again, where businesses have reasons to invest, and where the surrounding neighborhoods benefit from that investment. I don't believe we can regulate our way into revitalization. We have to actively pursue it. I cannot guarantee which opportunities will materialize, but I can continue identifying them, making the connections, and doing the work necessary to give these areas a better chance at recovery. Leigh.

Record opened: 2026-10-30 19:23:47

Unnecessary Taxes

Table Record #22 • issue

Original report:
I am turning in this issue for someone in another district but this affects everybody in our city. It was reported on the news that a family-oriented business on the square that has billiards and and games for kids and families is being taxed by the City of Independence for each individual game machine. These machines do not ge.erste any money. The business owner charges a fee at the door for each person who comes in but they can play as long as they want. The aim of the owner is to provide affordable entertainment for families. But these ridiculous taxes are going to put him out of business. Why is the city doing this? Can you please look into this and find out if there is something in the city charter or something in the city laws that allows for this? And if so help us understand how we can fight City Hall on this matter so that this business remains viable? Thank you so much for your help.

Status: reviewing

Location: Unverified

Current public summary:
Thank you for bringing this concern to my attention. I did some preliminary research and believe the business you're referring to is Rapid Fire Arcade, although it appears to be located near 23rd Street and Missouri 291 rather than on the Independence Square. I was able to confirm that Independence has a licensing fee structure that includes charges for individual amusement devices. I also found that the City is reportedly reviewing its business licensing ordinances, with possible changes expected to come before the City Council. I believe it's important to understand how these fees apply to businesses where customers pay admission and the machines themselves do not collect money. While I haven't determined whether this particular business is located in District 1, the licensing issue affects businesses throughout Independence and deserves examination. I'll continue looking into the applicable ordinance, the City's justification for the fees, and what changes may be proposed. Thank you again for bringing this forward. I'll share additional information as it becomes available. Leigh

Record opened: 2026-10-29 20:38:38

Resurfacing of residential streets

Table Record #21 • question

Original report:
15th Street west of Forest was resurfaced today. Although it looks pretty good, down the middle of the road is an indent where the resurfacing did not fill the crack which heretofore looked like the pavement was splitting. Now it looks like the pavement underlayment is splitting, and was just smoothed over, but not enough top coat was applied to fill that crack up. Can you find out if this indeed is what the City intended, and if not, what can be done to make sure this is done properly so that the pavement lasts?

Status: reviewing

Public follow-through history:

10/04/2026 Hi. I know that it took 2 coats of our streets to get it right. They just finished the 2nd coat last week. Please keep your eyes out for a 2nd or even 3rd round of coating and let me know if it doesn't get resolved and I'll dig into it a little further. Thanks for reaching out. Your concern is important to me.

2026-10-04T23:47:27.561Z

Thank you for following up. I understand your concern, particularly since the resurfacing was completed several weeks ago and the depression along the center of the roadway remains visible. I researched Independence's street resurfacing program and confirmed that the City has been conducting asphalt overlay work as part of its ongoing street maintenance and GO Bond improvement programs. However, I have not been able to verify whether the work on East 15th Street west of Forest Avenue has received its final inspection or whether the condition you describe meets the City's construction standards. A visible seam does not necessarily indicate a defect, but a depression or separation in newly resurfaced pavement deserves a closer look. I believe the appropriate next step is to request that Municipal Services inspect this particular section and determine whether the resurfacing was completed according to the City's specifications. I will seek clarification on whether the work has been accepted as complete and whether any corrective work is necessary. Thank you for bringing this to my attention and for following up. I want to make sure we get an answer based on the actual condition of the roadway, rather than simply assuming the work was done properly. Leigh.

2026-10-30T23:07:31.773Z

Public conversation / resident updates:

Verified District 1 Resident: It has now been nearly a full month since the resurfacing was done and the resurfacing company has not come back to put any additional coats of pavement on the street and so the crack remains down the center. What do we do now?

2026-10-30 19:25:55

Record opened: 2026-09-24 03:31:46
Last updated: 2026-10-30T23:07:31.773Z

The D1 Community Table: A Direct Line Between District 1 Residents and Their Representation

Table Record #18 • idea

Original report:
The first idea I’m bringing to the D1 Community Table is the Table itself. I created the D1 Community Table as a way to make communication between District 1 residents and their representation easier, more organized, and more transparent. It gives residents one place to bring forward issues, ask questions, offer ideas and possible solutions, and come back to see what happens next. The D1 Community Table costs the City of Independence and its taxpayers $0. I built it independently because I wanted to see whether we could create a practical tool for keeping residents connected to what is happening in their district without adding another expense to City government. Right now, I am a candidate for District 1 City Council. I am not at City Hall yet, and I do not have the authority of a councilmember. But I do not have to wait until Election Day to start listening, learning, researching, and talking with the people who live here. I’m already at the Table. I want to hear what is happening on your street, in your neighborhood, and across District 1. I want to know what is working, what is not, what questions you have, what ideas you have, and where you would like to see District 1 go. The Community Table itself is also a pilot. I want residents to use it, tell me what works, tell me what does not, and help shape it into something genuinely useful for communication and follow-through. Problem this may help solve: Communication between residents and their representation can become scattered across emails, social media, public meetings, phone calls, and individual conversations. It can also be difficult for residents to know what happened after they raised an issue or offered an idea. The D1 Community Table creates one place for those conversations to begin, be organized, and be followed over time. The goal is simple: make it easier for District 1 residents and their representation to stay at the same Table.

Status: in_progress

Public conversation / resident updates:

Verified District 1 Resident: Out for limited public testing. Your District 1 Seat at The Table will be ready shortly. 09.23.2026

2026-09-23 09:48:45

District 1 Community Table: The District 1 Community Table is now open for residents to use! This is still a pilot program, and improvements will continue as we learn what works, what needs adjusting, and what additional features would make the Table more useful. The purpose remains the same: give District 1 residents a place to bring forward concerns, questions, ideas, and solutions, with an opportunity to follow the conversation and see what happens next. I encourage residents to participate and share feedback about the Table itself. If something isn't working properly, or you see a way to make it better, please let me know. Your input will help shape how this continues to develop. The Table was built independently at $0 cost to City taxpayers, and that has not changed. I'm bringing the Table to you. Now let's put it to work. — Leigh Phillips

2026-10-08 15:57:53

Record opened: 2026-09-18 05:51:14
Last updated: 2026-09-21T12:28:03.526Z

Resolved Issues

Completed matters remain available with their public follow-through history.

Fees for paying electric bills

Table Record #23 • issue

Original report:
The independence power and light bills are now indicating that if you pay by debit card whether it is in person or online that you will be facing a $3.95 surcharge for paying in that way. This means that the only option to avoid that charge is to physically drive across town to the GEHA building and pay in cash! Surely this has to be reversible. How can we stand as a community to let them know this is not okay? My friend Leslie was told by an employee of IPL that this was voted in but none of us can remember voting it in.

Status: resolved

Location: All of Independence

Current public summary:
Thank you for bringing this concern to the D1 Community Table. I researched the utility payment processing fees and was able to confirm when the changes were approved, how they were authorized, and what options residents have to avoid the additional charges. On June 15, 2026, the Independence City Council approved its annual Schedule of Fees, effective July 1, which includes provisions addressing payment processing fees. On June 18, 2026, the Public Utilities Advisory Board unanimously recommended passing credit and debit card processing fees directly to customers. On July 20, 2026, the Independence City Council approved an addendum to the City's InvoiceCloud payment processing contract by a **6–0 vote**. The new fee structure took effect October 1, 2026. Under the current fee structure, customers paying by credit or debit card are charged **2.75% of their payment amount, with a $2.95 minimum**. Online e-check payments carry a $2.45 fee. However, residents are not required to pay these additional fees. The City provides several fee-free payment options, including: - Automatic bank draft directly through the City. - Mailing a check or money order. - Using the City's night drop. - Paying in person with cash, check, or money order. While I understand that additional charges can be frustrating, passing credit and debit card processing costs along to customers is not an unusual practice. It is also important to clarify that this change was **approved by the City Council, not submitted to voters in a public election**. My goal in researching concerns submitted to the D1 Community Table is to establish the facts, identify how decisions were made, and provide residents with accurate information about their options. I appreciate you bringing this issue forward. Even when a concern involves an established City policy, residents deserve to understand that policy and how it affects them. Thank you again for taking the time to raise your concern. Leigh.

Record opened: 2026-10-30 19:20:24

Midwest Tire / 24 Highway Outdoor Tire Storage

Table Record #20 • issue

Original report:
A concern was raised regarding a large quantity of used tires being stored outdoors at this property. The concerns included tires collecting standing water, mosquito activity, and the effect the condition may have on nearby properties. The concern was documented and reported to the City of Independence for inspection and follow-up.

Status: resolved

Location: Midwest Auto Sales & Service10501 E US Highway 24Independence, MO 64053

Current public summary:
My response via email, 10/04/2026: Thank you for the update. I appreciate that the City prefers voluntary compliance whenever possible. However, I do have concerns about the additional extension to October 7. The City's previous response stated that the property owner had been granted a 30-day extension through September 28 and that all tires were required to be stored indoors during that period. We were also told that if those conditions were not met by September 28, the City would proceed with abatement. The City's Unified Development Ordinance, §14-418-03.C, specifically states that outdoor storage of auto-related parts and equipment, including tires, is not allowed. I also have a question regarding the cost concern raised in your response. The City's own Property Maintenance information states that fees, including administrative costs, are charged for abatement actions, and the City Code contains cost-recovery mechanisms for other abatements. If the City must remove these tires, what portion of that $10–$24 per-tire abatement cost can be assessed to or recovered from the property owner or responsible business? If those costs can be recovered, I do not understand why the potential cost to the City should be a reason to continue delaying enforcement while neighboring residents continue to deal with the effects of the violation. I support giving businesses a reasonable opportunity to voluntarily comply. In this case, however, that opportunity has already been provided and the original September 28 deadline has passed. I will wait for the October 7 reinspection. If the property remains out of compliance at that time, I would appreciate confirmation that the abatement process will proceed as stated, rather than another extension being granted. Thank you, Leigh Phillips District 1

Public follow-through history:

Resident text update on 09.19.26: I can't believe it but it looks like they're cleaning up the tire mess at that mechanic shop today!!!!!!! You did it! Already i think that's what they're doing. Thank you! Thank you!

2026-09-21T10:37:39.897Z

Citizen Text Update: 09/30/2026: I just wanted to update you on the situation. I know they were suppose to have it cleaned up by the 28th and I thought that they had been cleaning it up but when we drove by this morning, i seen there are still tons of tires stacked up back there. I just wanted to let you know because I really can't live with these mosquitos much longer before I snap on whoever owns that business. Sorry to be a pest about this but I seriously want to sell our house and relocate somewhere else because of this issue.

2026-10-04T22:05:03.309Z

City Manager Anderson and Members of the City Council, I am following up regarding the ongoing Midwest Tire issue on 24 Highway. My understanding was that September 28th was the compliance date for the property. Today is September 30th, and I have received a new report from a nearby resident that substantial quantities of tires remain stored outside on the property. Given that the compliance date has passed, I am requesting that the city conduct a follow-up inspection and advise whether the property is in compliance, and if not, what enforcement or abatement actions will now be taken and on what timeline. The resident who contacted me continues to report serious mosquito concerns and has told me the situation has become significant enough that She's considering selling her home and relocating. I appreciate the work the city has already done on this case. At this point, I am simply asking for the promised follow-up after the compliance date and for clarity on what happens next if the property has not come into compliance.

2026-10-04T22:05:35.058Z

From City Staff via email October 1, 2026: Hello, Our inspector has been periodically checking on this case and has spoken directly with the property owner, who reports that cleanup efforts are underway. In addition, we have an active tall grass and weeds case for this property with a reinspection scheduled for October 7th. If the weeds and tire situation are not fully addressed by that date, we will move forward with ordering an abatement. As a side note, tire abatements are extremely costly, typically ranging from $10–24 per tire. We always try to avoid through voluntary compliance when possible. With that said, if both issues are not resolved by October 7th we will move forward with ordering an abatement.

2026-10-04T22:06:46.939Z

My response via email, 10/04/2026: Thank you for the update. I appreciate that the City prefers voluntary compliance whenever possible. However, I do have concerns about the additional extension to October 7. The City's previous response stated that the property owner had been granted a 30-day extension through September 28 and that all tires were required to be stored indoors during that period. We were also told that if those conditions were not met by September 28, the City would proceed with abatement. The City's Unified Development Ordinance, §14-418-03.C, specifically states that outdoor storage of auto-related parts and equipment, including tires, is not allowed. I also have a question regarding the cost concern raised in your response. The City's own Property Maintenance information states that fees, including administrative costs, are charged for abatement actions, and the City Code contains cost-recovery mechanisms for other abatements. If the City must remove these tires, what portion of that $10–$24 per-tire abatement cost can be assessed to or recovered from the property owner or responsible business? If those costs can be recovered, I do not understand why the potential cost to the City should be a reason to continue delaying enforcement while neighboring residents continue to deal with the effects of the violation. I support giving businesses a reasonable opportunity to voluntarily comply. In this case, however, that opportunity has already been provided and the original September 28 deadline has passed. I will wait for the October 7 reinspection. If the property remains out of compliance at that time, I would appreciate confirmation that the abatement process will proceed as stated, rather than another extension being granted. Thank you, Leigh Phillips District 1

2026-10-04T22:07:21.209Z

Ms. Phillips: Good afternoon. Hope all is well. Just want to share an update on this situation with you. Our Code Enforcement Officer visited this property earlier today. The tire violations have been resolved. Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. Sincerely, John Mayfield

2026-10-08T15:17:57.566Z

**October 8, 2026 – RESOLVED** Following repeated resident concerns regarding outdoor tire storage at Midwest Tire, the City of Independence Code Enforcement Division worked with the business to achieve compliance. On October 7, the City confirmed that the tire violations had been resolved. On October 8, I personally visited the property and verified that the previously reported outdoor tire accumulation had been removed. Photographs were taken to document the conditions. I also contacted the resident who originally reported the concern. The resident expressed satisfaction with the outcome. **Outcome:** Tire storage violations corrected and independently verified. No City abatement was reported as necessary. Thank you to the City's Code Enforcement staff and everyone involved in resolving this matter.

2026-10-08T15:26:51.266Z

Next follow-up: RESOLVED as of 10/08/2026 Leigh

Record opened: 2026-09-18 06:57:35
Last updated: 2026-10-08T15:26:51.266Z

About This Project

The District 1 Community Table began in September 2026 as an independently built District 1 community-service pilot. It is designed to test a practical way of making constituent service more organized, visible, and responsive.

The goal is straightforward: residents bring the lived experience; research and documentation help identify the process; and follow-through should be easier to see.

The public side is intentionally open for viewing. Other Independence districts, City staff, community organizations, and the public may look at the model and its released follow-through records. Participation tools and resident conversations remain limited to verified District 1 residents.

The structure is intentionally being built so that it does not have to remain permanently tied to a campaign. If useful, the underlying model can later be adapted for constituent service, community use, or future stewardship without requiring residents to start over.

Important: District 1 Community Table is an independent community resource. This is not a City of Independence website, service, department, or official City reporting system. Submitting information here does not replace contacting the City, emergency services, law enforcement, or another government agency when official or immediate reporting is required.